Peptic Ulcers

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A peptic ulcer is a sore in the lining of the stomach, where it is called a gastric ulcer, or the first part of the small intestine, called a duodenal ulcer. In the United States, roughly 4.5 million people suffer from peptic ulcer disease.

Symptoms

Complications

Perforation, in which ulcers break through the wall of the duodenum or stomach.

Note: This is a medical emergency requiring surgical intervention.

Diagnosis

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, a camera inserted on a long tube down to the stomach, is necessary for a conclusive diagnosis of peptic ulcer. Endoscopy allows inspection and biopsy of the stomach and duodenum and detection of H. pylori.

A CBC and stool occult blood tests are recommended for patients suspected of having a bleeding ulcer.

Conventional Treatment

H. pylori-positive ulcers

Antibiotics result in a 70‒90% cure rate.

Note: Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem in Canada and the United States.

Novel and Emerging Strategies

Note:Silver nanoparticles should not be confused with over-the-counter colloidal silver preparations. Colloidal silver has not been proven effective for treating any condition, and may have several side effects, including argyria—a disorder in which the skin takes on a permanent bluish-gray discoloration.

Liposomal linolenic acid. Liposomal linolenic acid has been shown to kill H. pylori and markedly reduce its population in the stomach of mice. In addition, liposomal linolenic acid was shown to decrease levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines triggered by H. pylori.

Dietary and Lifestyle Considerations

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber may reduce the risk of ulcers by 50%, and also help heal existing ulcers.

Stress management is important as stress and tension is correlated with gastric and duodenal ulcers.

Integrative Interventions

Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL). In a trial, 100 patients who tested positive for H. pylori were treated with DGL or placebo for 30 days. At the end of the treatment period, 56% of the DGL group and 4% of the placebo group tested negative for H. pylori.

Lactoferrin. A meta-analysis examined five randomized controlled trials that evaluated whether lactoferrin treatment was effective for H. pylori eradication. Those who received lactoferrin had more than 2.2-fold higher odds of eradication compared with controls.

Flavonoids/polyphenols. Evidence from numerous studies indicate polyphenols, including flavonoids, hold promise in the prevention and treatment of peptic ulcers. Extracts from tea, apples, pomegranate, and grape seed are especially good sources of polyphenols with possible anti-ulcer and anti-H. pylori activity.

Additional Information

This supplement should be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise program. Individual results are not guaranteed and results may vary.

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